Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
(Heb. 11:24-27)
Courage will cause you to do what is right regardless of the consequences—to do what God says no matter what men say. It is standing up for God rather than compromising the truth. Moses is a great example of courage.
When our girls were small, Sharon saw a van of young people pull into a parking area across the street from our house. She felt led to go across the street and witness to them. Obviously, they were into drugs and partying. As she shared the Lord with them, they mocked her and made fun of her. She didn't allow their mockery to sway her from witnessing to them. One of the guys in the van said to the others, "Knock it off."
It takes courage to stand in the face of people who don't want to hear about Jesus, but Sharon stayed with it. She gave them my book This New Life and cards about our church. Finally, she was able to pray for them, but they wouldn't pray the sinner's prayer. She returned to our house and began to pray strongly for them.
Soon the doorbell rang. It was the guy who had told his buddies to "knock it off." He said, "I believe what you were saying," and apologized for the way one of the young men talked to her. Then he said, "I have a grandfather who believes like you, and I know he has been praying for me." Sharon said, "I know he is praying for you, or I wouldn't be in your pathway."
Be courageous for the things that count for eternity, and look for opportunities to share your faith with others.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers